EP3648696A1 - Optical fibers and associated systems - Google Patents

Optical fibers and associated systems

Info

Publication number
EP3648696A1
EP3648696A1 EP18745746.0A EP18745746A EP3648696A1 EP 3648696 A1 EP3648696 A1 EP 3648696A1 EP 18745746 A EP18745746 A EP 18745746A EP 3648696 A1 EP3648696 A1 EP 3648696A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fiber
proximal
face
optical fiber
distal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP18745746.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3648696B1 (en
Inventor
Wen-Jui Ray Chia
Steven Yihlih Peng
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Boston Scientific Scimed Inc
Original Assignee
Scimed Life Systems Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Scimed Life Systems Inc filed Critical Scimed Life Systems Inc
Publication of EP3648696A1 publication Critical patent/EP3648696A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3648696B1 publication Critical patent/EP3648696B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
    • A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
    • A61B18/22—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
    • A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
    • A61B18/22—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
    • A61B18/26—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor for producing a shock wave, e.g. laser lithotripsy
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00982—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body combined with or comprising means for visual or photographic inspections inside the body, e.g. endoscopes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
    • A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
    • A61B18/22—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
    • A61B2018/2205—Characteristics of fibres
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
    • A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
    • A61B18/22—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
    • A61B2018/2244—Features of optical fibre cables, e.g. claddings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
    • A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
    • A61B18/22—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
    • A61B2018/2255—Optical elements at the distal end of probe tips
    • A61B2018/2272—Optical elements at the distal end of probe tips with reflective or refractive surfaces for deflecting the beam

Definitions

  • aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to optical fibers and associated laser systems. Particular aspects relate to distal aspects of optical fibers for medical laser systems..
  • Optical fibers may be used in medical laser systems to deliver a laser energy to a treatment site.
  • Many such optical fibers include a fiber core with a distal end surrounded by a cap.
  • Some caps include a reflective surface configured to direct the laser energy away from the fiber core, and an air pocket distal of the reflective surface. Because most reflective surfaces cannot reflect all of the laser energy, the air pocket is often required to achieve total reflection of the laser energy.
  • most caps typically have an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the fiber core, resulting in an enlarged bulbous shape at the distal end of the fiber.
  • Most caps include an exit port for the laser energy. In some instances, the exit port may include a lens or other aperture that further increases the outer diameter of the cap, and/or creates other irregularities in the enlarged bulbous shape.
  • a scope may be advanced through a body toward a body cavity, and the optical fiber may be advanced distally through a working channel of the scope until the cap is adjacent a target in the body cavity, such as a kidney stone in a kidney.
  • the inner diameter of the working channel must be sized to accommodate the larger diameter and/or enlarged bulbous shape of the cap, thereby requiring a larger working channel. Irregularities of the enlarged bulbous shape may further increase the requisite size of the working channel.
  • a larger channel may be undesirable, especially considering that most scopes include other working channels competing for a limited amount of space inside of the scope.
  • optical fibers and associated laser systems described herein address these problems and other deficiencies in the prior art.
  • the optical fiber may comprise: a fiber core that extends along a fiber axis, is configured to transmit a laser energy along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end with an angled distal face; a jacket that surrounds a proximal portion of the fiber core along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end located proximal of the angled distal face; a fiber tip including a proximal end with an angled proximal face; and a reflector including a proximal face attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core, a distal face attached to an angled proximal face of the fiber tip, and at least one layer configured to direct the laser energy out of the fiber core along a laser axis generally transverse with the fiber axis.
  • An outer diameter of the jacket may be greater than an outer diameter of the fiber core, and an outer diameter of the fiber tip may be equal to or less than the outer diameter of the fiber core
  • the proximal face of the reflector may be attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core without creating an air gap therebetween.
  • the distal face of the reflector may be attached to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip without creating an air gap therebetween.
  • the entire proximal face of the reflector may be attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core, and the entire distal face of the reflector may be attached to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip.
  • the angled distal face of the fiber core may be bonded to the proximal face of the reflector by a first adhesive; the laser energy may have a first absorption rate with a stone or tissue and a second absorption rate with the first adhesive; and the first absorption rate may be higher than the second absorption rate.
  • the angled distal face of the reflector may be bonded to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip by a second adhesive; the laser energy may have a third absorption rate with the second adhesive; and the first absorption rate may be higher than the third absorption rate.
  • the first adhesive may be different from the second adhesive, and the third absorption rate may be higher than the second absorption rate.
  • the laser energy may have a fourth absorption rate with the fiber tip, and the fourth absorption rate may be higher than the third absorption rate.
  • the reflector may be configured to direct at least 90% of the laser energy out of the fiber core along the laser axis.
  • the least one reflecting layer may include a dielectric material or a metallic material.
  • the metallic material may include at least one of aluminum, gold, or silver.
  • a distal end of the fiber tip may include an atraumatic shape.
  • the optical fiber may include a buffer extending along the fiber axis between the fiber core and the jacket.
  • the buffer may be a coating applied to at least a proximal portion of the fiber core.
  • any optical fiber described herein may be part of system, wherein the distal end of the jacket defines a distal stop surface, and the system comprises a scope including a working channel configured to movably receive the jacket, and a proximal stop surface engageable with the distal stop surface of the jacket to limit a movement of the optical fiber in the working channel.
  • an optical fiber comprising: a fiber core that extends along a fiber axis, is configured to transmit a laser energy along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end with an angled distal face; a jacket that surrounds a proximal portion of the fiber core along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end located proximal of the angled distal face; a buffer extending along the fiber axis between the fiber core and the jacket; a fiber tip including a proximal end with an angled proximal face; and a reflector including a proximal face attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core, a distal face attached to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip, and at least one layer configured to direct the laser energy out of the fiber core along a laser axis generally transverse with the fiber axis.
  • An outer diameter of the jacket may be greater than an outer diameter of the fiber core, and an outer diameter of the fiber tip may be equal to or less than the outer diameter of the fiber core.
  • the buffer may terminate at a distal end located between the distal end of the jacket and the distal end of the fiber core.
  • the proximal face of the reflector may be attached to the fiber core by a first layer of adhesive, and the distal face of the reflector may be attached to the fiber tip by a second layer of adhesive. The first and second layers of adhesive may be different.
  • an optical fiber including: a fiber core that extends along a fiber axis, is configured to transmit a laser energy along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end with an angled distal face; a jacket that surrounds a proximal portion of the fiber core along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end located proximal of the angled distal face; a fiber tip including a proximal end with an angled proximal face; and a reflector including a proximal face attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core, a distal face attached to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip, and at least one layer configured to direct the laser energy out of the fiber core along a laser axis generally transverse with the fiber axis.
  • the distal end of the jacket may define a distal stop surface, an outer diameter of the jacket may be greater than an outer diameter of the fiber core, and an outer diameter of the fiber tip may be equal to or less than the outer diameter of the fiber core.
  • the system may further comprise a scope including a working channel configured to movably receive the jacket, and a proximal stop surface engageable with the distal stop surface of the jacket to limit a movement of the optical fiber in the working channel.
  • the proximal face of the reflector may be attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core without creating an air gap therebetween, and the distal face of the reflector may be attached to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip without creating an air gap therebetween.
  • the working channel may include a proximal portion having an inner diameter configured to receive the outer diameter of the jacket, and a distal portion having an inner diameter configured to receive the outer diameters of the fiber body and the fiber tip.
  • the distal stop surface of the jacket may be engageable with the proximal stop surface of the working channel to limit movement of the optical fiber in the working channel.
  • the optical fiber may be movable between: a retracted position, wherein the distal stop surface of the jacket is spaced apart from the proximal stop surface of the working channel; and an extended position, wherein the distal stop surface of the jacket is at or adjacent the stop surface of the working channel.
  • the fiber tip may be fully retracted into the distal portion of the working channel when the optical fiber is in the retracted position.
  • FIG. 1A depicts a distal end of an exemplary optical fiber
  • FIG. 1 B depicts a cross-sectional view of the fiber of FIG. 1 taken at Section 1 B-1 B of FIG. 1A;
  • FIG. 2A depicts a side view of the optical fiber of FIG. 1 A taken at Section 2A-2A of FIG. 1A;
  • FIG. 2B depicts an exploded side view of the fiber of FIG. 2A;
  • FIG. 3A depicts a section view of an exemplary optical fiber and scope, wherein a distal end of the fiber is retracted into a working channel of the scope;
  • FIG. 3B depicts the optical fiber and scope of FIG. 3A, wherein the distal end of the fiber is extended out of the working channel of the scope.
  • Each axis may be transverse, or even perpendicular, with the next so as to establish a Cartesian coordinate system with an origin point O.
  • One axis may extend along a longitudinal axis of an element.
  • Relative locations and directions may be indicated by the terms "proximal” and “distal,” and their respective initials "P” and “D.”
  • Proximal refers to a position closer to the exterior of the body or a user
  • distal refers to a position closer to the interior of the body or further away from the user.
  • Appending the initials P or D to an element number signifies a proximal or distal location
  • appending P or D to an arrow in a figure signifies a proximal or distal direction along an axis.
  • the term "elongated” may refer to any object that is substantially longer in relation to its width, such as an object having a length that is at least two times longer than its width along its longitudinal axis. Some elongated objects, for example, are axially extending in a proximal or distal direction along an axis. Unless claimed, these terms are provided for convenience and not intended to limit this disclosure to a particular location, direction, or orientation.
  • the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or like variation, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device or method that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent thereto.
  • the term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.”
  • the terms “consists of” and “consisting of” are intended to cover an exclusive inclusion, such that a device or method that consists of a list of elements includes only those elements. Terms such as “generally,” “about,” “substantially,” and/or “approximately” indicate a range of possible values that are within +/- 5% of a stated value.
  • optical fiber 10 extending along a fiber axis F-F.
  • optical fiber 10 may comprise: a jacket 20; a buffer 30; a fiber core 40; a reflector 50; and a fiber tip 60.
  • these elements may be configured such that an outer diameter 21 of jacket 20 is greater than an outer diameter 41 of fiber core 40; an outer diameter 31 of buffer 30 is greater than diameter 41 of fiber core 40; and an outer diameter 61 of fiber tip 60 is equal to or less than diameter 41 .
  • optical fiber 10 may be described as tapering or stepping-down from a larger dimension to a smaller dimension in a proximal-to-distal direction along fiber axis F-F.
  • Jacket 20 may comprise one or more layers surrounding proximal portions of buffer 30 and/or fiber core 40 along fiber axis F-F.
  • jacket 20 may be made of a polymeric material that is attached to buffer 30 along its length.
  • Jacket 20 of FIG. 1A terminates at a distal end that is located proximal of a distal end of buffer 30, and/or proximal of a distal end of fiber core 40. Because outer diameter 21 is larger than outer diameters 31 and 41 , the distal end of jacket 20 may define a distal stop surface 22.
  • distal stop surface 22 may be formed by cutting a portion of jacket 20 away from optical fiber 10.
  • Buffer 30 may comprise one or more layers surrounding fiber core 40.
  • buffer 30 may be made of a material that is dielectric, highly reflective, and/or biocompatible, such as a polymeric material. Buffer 30 may be configured to mechanically isolate fiber core 40 from jacket 20, and/or further promote internal reflection of the laser energy.
  • buffer 30 may comprise a tube surrounding fiber core 40 (e.g., a "loose buffer”); while in others, buffer 30 may comprise a coating applied to fiber core 40 (e.g., a "tight buffer”). For example, as shown in FIG.
  • buffer 30 may comprise a thin coating applied to fiber core 40 so that outer diameter 31 of buffer 30 is only nominally greater (e.g., 1 % to 3%) than outer diameter 41 of fiber core 40.
  • the thin coating may, for example, comprise or consist of a dielectric biocompatible fluoropolymer.
  • Fiber core 40 of FIG. 1A may comprise one or more optical fibers configured to deliver the laser energy.
  • a cladding may surround portions of fiber core 40, and/or buffer 30 may comprise the cladding.
  • fiber core 40 may consist of a single optical fiber made of a glass material and/or a polymeric material.
  • the distal end of fiber core 40 may include an angled distal face 42 that is generally transverse with optical fiber axis F-F (e.g., at a 45° angle, or an angle between 30° and 60°).
  • angled distal face 42 may be engageable with reflector 50.
  • all or a portion of angled distal face 42 may be chemically and/or mechanically bonded to reflector 50.
  • Reflector 50 of FIG. 2A may be configured to direct the laser energy out of fiber core 40 along a laser axis L-L that is generally transverse with the fiber axis F- F.
  • reflector 50 may have a composite body extending along fiber axis F-F between a proximal end including a proximal face 53, and distal end including a distal face 55.
  • Proximal face 53 of reflector 50 may be attached to at least a portion of angled distal face 42 of fiber core 40. For example, as shown in FIG.
  • the angled distal face 42 of fiber core 40 may be bonded to the proximal face 53 of reflector 50 by a first adhesive 54, and the angled proximal face 62 of fiber tip 60 may be bonded to the distal face 55 of reflector 50 by a second adhesive 56.
  • Any type of adhesive may be used.
  • the composite body of reflector 50 may comprise one or more layers that are arranged to reflect a substantial portion (e.g., 90% or greater), or substantially all (e.g., at least an exemplary distribution angle ⁇ .
  • the one or more layers may include any reflective materials.
  • the composite body of reflective 50 may be configured for use with specific laser energies, such as those commonly used in medical procedures.
  • the composite body may comprise: a first layer 57, a second layer 58, and a third layer 59.
  • At least one of layers 57, 58, or 59 may include a dielectric material (e.g., a polymer, such as fluorocarbon polymer) and/or a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, gold, silver, or the like).
  • Each successive layer 57, 58, and/or 59 may be stacked and/or fused together (e.g., by application of heat, pressure, or an adhesive) until reflector 50 achieves a minimum width along laser axis L-L (e.g. , approximately 1 mm to 3mm); and/or a corresponding minimum reflectivity (e.g., 90% or greater).
  • second layer 58 may include one or more metallic materials (the same or different)
  • first and second layers 57 and 59 may include one more dielectric materials (the same or different) engageable with said metallic materials and/or one or more adhesive materials.
  • Fiber tip 60 may be configured to absorb and/or diffuse an amount of laser energy passing through reflector 50 along fiber axis F-F.
  • fiber tip 60 may include a solid body extending along fiber axis F-F between a proximal end including an angled proximal face 62, and a distal end including an atraumatic shape 68.
  • the solid body made of a crystalline material (e.g., sapphire); and/or may have a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter 61 that is equal to or less than outer diameter 41 of fiber core 40.
  • Angled proximal face 62 of fiber tip 60 may be bonded to the with distal face 55 of reflector 50 by second adhesive 56. Because reflector 50 is configured to reflect substantial portions of the laser energy, angled proximal face 62 of fiber tip 60 may be attached to distal face 55 of reflector 50 without creating an air gap therebetween.
  • second adhesive 56 may comprise a continuous layer of adhesive and/or non-porous material that bonds the entire distal-facing surface of distal face 55 to the entire proximal-facing surface of angled proximal face 62, leaving no air gap therebetween. The air gap may no longer be required to achieve total reflection of the laser energy.
  • Atraumatic shape 68 may be formed integral with (e.g., FIGs. 2A-B). As shown, atraumatic shape 68 may comprise a semi-spherical shape configured for advancement into a body cavity along axis F-F in a proximal-distal direction with minimal risk of accidentally piercing a wall of the body cavity. Any similar shape may be used. Shape 68 may be a molded into the distal end fiber tip 60, or permanently or removably attached to tip 60.
  • first and second adhesives 54 and 56 may be made the same or different materials, of uniform or composite formulation.
  • first and second adhesives 54 and 56 may both have low absorption rates with the laser energy; and first adhesive 54 may have the lowest absorption rate.
  • the laser energy may have a wavelength (e.g. , 532nm) that has a high absorption rate (e.g., 99% or greater) with a target (e.g., a tissue), and a low absorption rate (e.g., less than 1 %) with first and second adhesives 54 and 56.
  • the laser energy may have an even lower absorption rate (e.g., less than 0.1 %) with first adhesive 54, ensuring that a greater amount of the laser energy will be reflected by reflector 50, and not absorbed by first adhesive 54, generating heat.
  • First and second adhesives 54 and 56 may be uniformly applied.
  • each adhesive 54 and 56 may have a disk-shape with a uniform thickness, as shown in 2B.
  • the disk-shape may be preformed and configured to adhere reflector 50 to fiber core 40 and/or fiber tip 60 when heated.
  • Alternative shapes are also contemplated.
  • first and second adhesives 54 and 56 may alternatively have a ring-shape with an outer diameter approximate to the outer diameter 41 of fiber core 40, and an inner diameter less than outer diameter 41 , thereby defining an disk-shaped cavity.
  • the ring-shapes may be heated to adhere reflector 50 to fiber core 40 and/or fiber tip 60.
  • a fluid e.g., air
  • system 100 may comprise any optical fiber 10 described herein, wherein the distal end of the jacket 20 defines the distal stop surface 22; and a scope 1 10 including a scope body 1 1 1 having a working channel 1 12 including a proximal stop surface 1 16.
  • Working channel 1 12 may be configured to movably receive optical fiber 10.
  • Proximal stop surface 1 16 engageable with the distal stop surface 22 of jacket 20 to limit a movement of optical fiber 10 inside working channel 1 12.
  • Scope body 1 1 1 may comprise any elongated shape, such as a catheter.
  • proximal stop surface 1 16 may be a ledge formed at the transition from proximal portion 1 12P of working channel 1 12 to distal portion 1 12D of channel 1 12.
  • the inner diameter of distal portion1 12D of working channel 1 12 may be equal to the inner diameter of proximal portion 1 12P of channel 1 12, and stop surface 1 16 may be a protrusion extending towards axis F-F to define an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameters of portions 1 12P and 1 12D.
  • optical fiber 10 may be movable axially inside of working channel 1 12 between a proximal or retracted position (e.g. FIG. 3A), wherein distal stop surface 22 is spaced apart (e.g., proximally) from proximal stop surface 1 16; and a distal or extended position (e.g., FIG. 3B), wherein the distal stop surface 22 is at or adjacent proximal stop surface 16 to limit an axial movement of distal stop surface 22.
  • Fiber 10 also may be rotated inside of channel 1 12.
  • Fiber tip 60 may be retracted into distal portion 1 12D of working channel 1 12 when optical fiber 10 is in the proximal position, and extended out of distal portion 1 12D when fiber 10 is in the distal position, thereby avoiding damage from over-extension.
  • Proximal portion 1 12P of working channel 1 12 may define an interior cavity 1 18 with a volume the extends annularly around axis F-F, expands when optical fiber 10 is in the proximal positon, and contracts when fiber 10 is the distal position. Additional elements of system 100 may be located within interior cavity 1 18 to further guide movements of optical fiber 10.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne, selon un aspect, une fibre optique comprenant : un cœur de fibre qui s'étend le long d'un axe de fibre, qui est configuré pour transmettre une énergie laser le long de l'axe de fibre, et qui se termine au niveau d'une extrémité distale avec une face distale inclinée ; une enveloppe qui entoure une partie proximale du cœur de fibre le long de l'axe de fibre, et qui se termine au niveau d'une extrémité distale localisée près de la face distale inclinée ; une pointe de fibre comprenant une extrémité proximale avec une face distale inclinée ; et un réflecteur comprenant une face proximale fixée à la face distale inclinée du cœur de fibre, une face distale fixée à la face proximale inclinée de la pointe de fibre, et au moins une couche configurée pour diriger l'énergie laser hors du cœur de fibre le long d'un axe laser généralement transversal à l'axe de fibre, la fibre optique s'effilant le long de l'axe de fibre. La présente invention concerne également des systèmes lasers associés.In one aspect, the present invention provides an optical fiber comprising: a fiber core that extends along a fiber axis, which is configured to transmit laser energy along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end with an inclined distal face; an envelope that surrounds a proximal portion of the fiber core along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end located near the inclined distal face; a fiber tip including a proximal end with an inclined distal face; and a reflector including a proximal face attached to the inclined distal face of the fiber core, a distal face attached to the inclined proximal face of the fiber tip, and at least one layer configured to direct laser energy out of the fiber core along a laser axis generally transverse to the fiber axis, the optical fiber tapering along the fiber axis. The present invention also relates to associated laser systems.

Description

OPTICAL FIBERS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS
Description
Technical Field
[0001 ] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to optical fibers and associated laser systems. Particular aspects relate to distal aspects of optical fibers for medical laser systems..
Background
[0002] Optical fibers may be used in medical laser systems to deliver a laser energy to a treatment site. Many such optical fibers include a fiber core with a distal end surrounded by a cap. Some caps include a reflective surface configured to direct the laser energy away from the fiber core, and an air pocket distal of the reflective surface. Because most reflective surfaces cannot reflect all of the laser energy, the air pocket is often required to achieve total reflection of the laser energy. To accommodate the air gap, most caps typically have an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the fiber core, resulting in an enlarged bulbous shape at the distal end of the fiber. Most caps include an exit port for the laser energy. In some instances, the exit port may include a lens or other aperture that further increases the outer diameter of the cap, and/or creates other irregularities in the enlarged bulbous shape.
[0003] In some noninvasive medical procedures, a scope may be advanced through a body toward a body cavity, and the optical fiber may be advanced distally through a working channel of the scope until the cap is adjacent a target in the body cavity, such as a kidney stone in a kidney. The inner diameter of the working channel must be sized to accommodate the larger diameter and/or enlarged bulbous shape of the cap, thereby requiring a larger working channel. Irregularities of the enlarged bulbous shape may further increase the requisite size of the working channel. A larger channel may be undesirable, especially considering that most scopes include other working channels competing for a limited amount of space inside of the scope.
[0004] The optical fibers and associated laser systems described herein address these problems and other deficiencies in the prior art.
SUMMARY
[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is an optical fiber. The optical fiber may comprise: a fiber core that extends along a fiber axis, is configured to transmit a laser energy along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end with an angled distal face; a jacket that surrounds a proximal portion of the fiber core along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end located proximal of the angled distal face; a fiber tip including a proximal end with an angled proximal face; and a reflector including a proximal face attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core, a distal face attached to an angled proximal face of the fiber tip, and at least one layer configured to direct the laser energy out of the fiber core along a laser axis generally transverse with the fiber axis. An outer diameter of the jacket may be greater than an outer diameter of the fiber core, and an outer diameter of the fiber tip may be equal to or less than the outer diameter of the fiber core.
[0006] According to this aspect, the proximal face of the reflector may be attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core without creating an air gap therebetween. The distal face of the reflector may be attached to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip without creating an air gap therebetween. For example, the entire proximal face of the reflector may be attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core, and the entire distal face of the reflector may be attached to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip. [0007] The angled distal face of the fiber core may be bonded to the proximal face of the reflector by a first adhesive; the laser energy may have a first absorption rate with a stone or tissue and a second absorption rate with the first adhesive; and the first absorption rate may be higher than the second absorption rate. Furthermore, the angled distal face of the reflector may be bonded to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip by a second adhesive; the laser energy may have a third absorption rate with the second adhesive; and the first absorption rate may be higher than the third absorption rate. The first adhesive may be different from the second adhesive, and the third absorption rate may be higher than the second absorption rate. The laser energy may have a fourth absorption rate with the fiber tip, and the fourth absorption rate may be higher than the third absorption rate.
[0008] The reflector may be configured to direct at least 90% of the laser energy out of the fiber core along the laser axis. The least one reflecting layer may include a dielectric material or a metallic material. For example, the metallic material may include at least one of aluminum, gold, or silver. A distal end of the fiber tip may include an atraumatic shape. The optical fiber may include a buffer extending along the fiber axis between the fiber core and the jacket. For example, the buffer may be a coating applied to at least a proximal portion of the fiber core. Any optical fiber described herein may be part of system, wherein the distal end of the jacket defines a distal stop surface, and the system comprises a scope including a working channel configured to movably receive the jacket, and a proximal stop surface engageable with the distal stop surface of the jacket to limit a movement of the optical fiber in the working channel.
[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an optical fiber comprising: a fiber core that extends along a fiber axis, is configured to transmit a laser energy along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end with an angled distal face; a jacket that surrounds a proximal portion of the fiber core along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end located proximal of the angled distal face; a buffer extending along the fiber axis between the fiber core and the jacket; a fiber tip including a proximal end with an angled proximal face; and a reflector including a proximal face attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core, a distal face attached to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip, and at least one layer configured to direct the laser energy out of the fiber core along a laser axis generally transverse with the fiber axis.
[0010] An outer diameter of the jacket may be greater than an outer diameter of the fiber core, and an outer diameter of the fiber tip may be equal to or less than the outer diameter of the fiber core. The buffer may terminate at a distal end located between the distal end of the jacket and the distal end of the fiber core. In some aspects, the proximal face of the reflector may be attached to the fiber core by a first layer of adhesive, and the distal face of the reflector may be attached to the fiber tip by a second layer of adhesive. The first and second layers of adhesive may be different.
[001 1 ] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a system comprising: an optical fiber including: a fiber core that extends along a fiber axis, is configured to transmit a laser energy along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end with an angled distal face; a jacket that surrounds a proximal portion of the fiber core along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end located proximal of the angled distal face; a fiber tip including a proximal end with an angled proximal face; and a reflector including a proximal face attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core, a distal face attached to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip, and at least one layer configured to direct the laser energy out of the fiber core along a laser axis generally transverse with the fiber axis. The distal end of the jacket may define a distal stop surface, an outer diameter of the jacket may be greater than an outer diameter of the fiber core, and an outer diameter of the fiber tip may be equal to or less than the outer diameter of the fiber core. The system may further comprise a scope including a working channel configured to movably receive the jacket, and a proximal stop surface engageable with the distal stop surface of the jacket to limit a movement of the optical fiber in the working channel.
[0012] The proximal face of the reflector may be attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core without creating an air gap therebetween, and the distal face of the reflector may be attached to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip without creating an air gap therebetween. The working channel may include a proximal portion having an inner diameter configured to receive the outer diameter of the jacket, and a distal portion having an inner diameter configured to receive the outer diameters of the fiber body and the fiber tip. The distal stop surface of the jacket may be engageable with the proximal stop surface of the working channel to limit movement of the optical fiber in the working channel. For example, the optical fiber may be movable between: a retracted position, wherein the distal stop surface of the jacket is spaced apart from the proximal stop surface of the working channel; and an extended position, wherein the distal stop surface of the jacket is at or adjacent the stop surface of the working channel. As a further example, the fiber tip may be fully retracted into the distal portion of the working channel when the optical fiber is in the retracted position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. These drawings illustrate aspects of the present disclosure that, together with the written descriptions herein, serve to explain this disclosure as follows:
[0014] FIG. 1A depicts a distal end of an exemplary optical fiber;
[0015] FIG. 1 B depicts a cross-sectional view of the fiber of FIG. 1 taken at Section 1 B-1 B of FIG. 1A;
[0016] FIG. 2A depicts a side view of the optical fiber of FIG. 1 A taken at Section 2A-2A of FIG. 1A;
[0017] FIG. 2B depicts an exploded side view of the fiber of FIG. 2A;
[0018] FIG. 3A depicts a section view of an exemplary optical fiber and scope, wherein a distal end of the fiber is retracted into a working channel of the scope; and
[0019] FIG. 3B depicts the optical fiber and scope of FIG. 3A, wherein the distal end of the fiber is extended out of the working channel of the scope.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Aspects of the present disclosure are now described with reference to optical fibers and associated laser systems. Some aspects are described with reference to medical procedures where laser energy is used to treat a stone. References to a particular type of procedure, laser energy, stone, and/or bodily organ are provided for convenience and not intended to limit the present disclosure unless claimed. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may be utilized for any analogous fiber - medical or otherwise.
[0021 ] Numerous axes and directions are described. Each axis may be transverse, or even perpendicular, with the next so as to establish a Cartesian coordinate system with an origin point O. One axis may extend along a longitudinal axis of an element. Relative locations and directions may be indicated by the terms "proximal" and "distal," and their respective initials "P" and "D." Proximal refers to a position closer to the exterior of the body or a user, whereas distal refers to a position closer to the interior of the body or further away from the user. Appending the initials P or D to an element number signifies a proximal or distal location, and appending P or D to an arrow in a figure signifies a proximal or distal direction along an axis. The term "elongated" may refer to any object that is substantially longer in relation to its width, such as an object having a length that is at least two times longer than its width along its longitudinal axis. Some elongated objects, for example, are axially extending in a proximal or distal direction along an axis. Unless claimed, these terms are provided for convenience and not intended to limit this disclosure to a particular location, direction, or orientation.
[0022] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or like variation, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device or method that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent thereto. Unless stated otherwise, the term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" rather than "ideal." Conversely, the terms "consists of" and "consisting of" are intended to cover an exclusive inclusion, such that a device or method that consists of a list of elements includes only those elements. Terms such as "generally," "about," "substantially," and/or "approximately" indicate a range of possible values that are within +/- 5% of a stated value.
[0023] One aspect of the present disclosure is an optical fiber 10 extending along a fiber axis F-F. As shown in FIG. 1 A, optical fiber 10 may comprise: a jacket 20; a buffer 30; a fiber core 40; a reflector 50; and a fiber tip 60. As described further below, these elements may be configured such that an outer diameter 21 of jacket 20 is greater than an outer diameter 41 of fiber core 40; an outer diameter 31 of buffer 30 is greater than diameter 41 of fiber core 40; and an outer diameter 61 of fiber tip 60 is equal to or less than diameter 41 . In this configuration, optical fiber 10 may be described as tapering or stepping-down from a larger dimension to a smaller dimension in a proximal-to-distal direction along fiber axis F-F.
[0024] Jacket 20 may comprise one or more layers surrounding proximal portions of buffer 30 and/or fiber core 40 along fiber axis F-F. In some aspects, jacket 20 may be made of a polymeric material that is attached to buffer 30 along its length. Jacket 20 of FIG. 1A, for example, terminates at a distal end that is located proximal of a distal end of buffer 30, and/or proximal of a distal end of fiber core 40. Because outer diameter 21 is larger than outer diameters 31 and 41 , the distal end of jacket 20 may define a distal stop surface 22. For example, distal stop surface 22 may be formed by cutting a portion of jacket 20 away from optical fiber 10.
[0025] Buffer 30 may comprise one or more layers surrounding fiber core 40. In some aspects, buffer 30 may be made of a material that is dielectric, highly reflective, and/or biocompatible, such as a polymeric material. Buffer 30 may be configured to mechanically isolate fiber core 40 from jacket 20, and/or further promote internal reflection of the laser energy. In some aspects, buffer 30 may comprise a tube surrounding fiber core 40 (e.g., a "loose buffer"); while in others, buffer 30 may comprise a coating applied to fiber core 40 (e.g., a "tight buffer"). For example, as shown in FIG. 1 A, buffer 30 may comprise a thin coating applied to fiber core 40 so that outer diameter 31 of buffer 30 is only nominally greater (e.g., 1 % to 3%) than outer diameter 41 of fiber core 40. The thin coating may, for example, comprise or consist of a dielectric biocompatible fluoropolymer.
[0026] Fiber core 40 of FIG. 1A may comprise one or more optical fibers configured to deliver the laser energy. A cladding may surround portions of fiber core 40, and/or buffer 30 may comprise the cladding. To minimize outer diameter 41 , fiber core 40 may consist of a single optical fiber made of a glass material and/or a polymeric material. As shown in FIGs. 2A-B, the distal end of fiber core 40 may include an angled distal face 42 that is generally transverse with optical fiber axis F-F (e.g., at a 45° angle, or an angle between 30° and 60°). As described further below, angled distal face 42 may be engageable with reflector 50. For example, all or a portion of angled distal face 42 may be chemically and/or mechanically bonded to reflector 50.
[0027] Reflector 50 of FIG. 2A may be configured to direct the laser energy out of fiber core 40 along a laser axis L-L that is generally transverse with the fiber axis F- F. As shown in the exploded section view depicted in FIG. 2B, for example, reflector 50 may have a composite body extending along fiber axis F-F between a proximal end including a proximal face 53, and distal end including a distal face 55. Proximal face 53 of reflector 50 may be attached to at least a portion of angled distal face 42 of fiber core 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the angled distal face 42 of fiber core 40 may be bonded to the proximal face 53 of reflector 50 by a first adhesive 54, and the angled proximal face 62 of fiber tip 60 may be bonded to the distal face 55 of reflector 50 by a second adhesive 56. Any type of adhesive may be used. The composite body of reflector 50 may comprise one or more layers that are arranged to reflect a substantial portion (e.g., 90% or greater), or substantially all (e.g., at least an exemplary distribution angle Θ. The one or more layers may include any reflective materials.
[0028] In some aspects, the composite body of reflective 50 may be configured for use with specific laser energies, such as those commonly used in medical procedures. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the composite body may comprise: a first layer 57, a second layer 58, and a third layer 59. At least one of layers 57, 58, or 59 may include a dielectric material (e.g., a polymer, such as fluorocarbon polymer) and/or a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, gold, silver, or the like). Each successive layer 57, 58, and/or 59 may be stacked and/or fused together (e.g., by application of heat, pressure, or an adhesive) until reflector 50 achieves a minimum width along laser axis L-L (e.g. , approximately 1 mm to 3mm); and/or a corresponding minimum reflectivity (e.g., 90% or greater). According to these aspects, second layer 58 may include one or more metallic materials (the same or different), and first and second layers 57 and 59 may include one more dielectric materials (the same or different) engageable with said metallic materials and/or one or more adhesive materials.
[0029] Fiber tip 60 may be configured to absorb and/or diffuse an amount of laser energy passing through reflector 50 along fiber axis F-F. As shown in FIGs. 2A-B, fiber tip 60 may include a solid body extending along fiber axis F-F between a proximal end including an angled proximal face 62, and a distal end including an atraumatic shape 68. As shown in FIG. 1 B, for example, the solid body made of a crystalline material (e.g., sapphire); and/or may have a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter 61 that is equal to or less than outer diameter 41 of fiber core 40. Angled proximal face 62 of fiber tip 60 may be bonded to the with distal face 55 of reflector 50 by second adhesive 56. Because reflector 50 is configured to reflect substantial portions of the laser energy, angled proximal face 62 of fiber tip 60 may be attached to distal face 55 of reflector 50 without creating an air gap therebetween. For example, second adhesive 56 may comprise a continuous layer of adhesive and/or non-porous material that bonds the entire distal-facing surface of distal face 55 to the entire proximal-facing surface of angled proximal face 62, leaving no air gap therebetween. The air gap may no longer be required to achieve total reflection of the laser energy.
[0030] Atraumatic shape 68 may be formed integral with (e.g., FIGs. 2A-B). As shown, atraumatic shape 68 may comprise a semi-spherical shape configured for advancement into a body cavity along axis F-F in a proximal-distal direction with minimal risk of accidentally piercing a wall of the body cavity. Any similar shape may be used. Shape 68 may be a molded into the distal end fiber tip 60, or permanently or removably attached to tip 60.
[0031 ] Various aspects of attaching fiber core 40 to reflector 50, and/or reflector 50 to fiber tip 60 are described. One or more adhesives may be used. For example, first and second adhesives 54 and 56 may be made the same or different materials, of uniform or composite formulation. In some aspects, first and second adhesives 54 and 56 may both have low absorption rates with the laser energy; and first adhesive 54 may have the lowest absorption rate. For example, the laser energy may have a wavelength (e.g. , 532nm) that has a high absorption rate (e.g., 99% or greater) with a target (e.g., a tissue), and a low absorption rate (e.g., less than 1 %) with first and second adhesives 54 and 56. This configuration allows the target to be rapidly heated by the laser energy without also rapidly heating adhesives 54 and/or 56, which may cause premature failure. As a further example, the laser energy may have an even lower absorption rate (e.g., less than 0.1 %) with first adhesive 54, ensuring that a greater amount of the laser energy will be reflected by reflector 50, and not absorbed by first adhesive 54, generating heat.
[0032] First and second adhesives 54 and 56 may be uniformly applied. For example, when set, each adhesive 54 and 56 may have a disk-shape with a uniform thickness, as shown in 2B. The disk-shape may be preformed and configured to adhere reflector 50 to fiber core 40 and/or fiber tip 60 when heated. Alternative shapes are also contemplated. For example, first and second adhesives 54 and 56 may alternatively have a ring-shape with an outer diameter approximate to the outer diameter 41 of fiber core 40, and an inner diameter less than outer diameter 41 , thereby defining an disk-shaped cavity. As before, the ring-shapes may be heated to adhere reflector 50 to fiber core 40 and/or fiber tip 60. A fluid (e.g., air) may be sealed in the disk-shaped cavities when the ring-shapes are heated.
[0033] An exemplary system 100 is now described. As shown in FIG. 3A-B, for example, system 100 may comprise any optical fiber 10 described herein, wherein the distal end of the jacket 20 defines the distal stop surface 22; and a scope 1 10 including a scope body 1 1 1 having a working channel 1 12 including a proximal stop surface 1 16. Working channel 1 12 may be configured to movably receive optical fiber 10. Proximal stop surface 1 16 engageable with the distal stop surface 22 of jacket 20 to limit a movement of optical fiber 10 inside working channel 1 12. Scope body 1 1 1 may comprise any elongated shape, such as a catheter. Working channel 1 12 of FIGs. 3A-B, for example, includes a proximal portion 1 12P having an inner diameter configured to receive outer diameter 21 of jacket 20, and a distal portion 1 12D having an inner diameter configured to receive the respective outer diameters 41 and 61 of fiber core 40 and fiber tip 60. [0034] Because diameters 41 and/or 61 are smaller than diameter 21 , as shown in FIG. 1 A, proximal stop surface 1 16 may be a ledge formed at the transition from proximal portion 1 12P of working channel 1 12 to distal portion 1 12D of channel 1 12. In some aspects, the inner diameter of distal portion1 12D of working channel 1 12 may be equal to the inner diameter of proximal portion 1 12P of channel 1 12, and stop surface 1 16 may be a protrusion extending towards axis F-F to define an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameters of portions 1 12P and 1 12D.As shown in FIGs. 3A-B, optical fiber 10 may be movable axially inside of working channel 1 12 between a proximal or retracted position (e.g. FIG. 3A), wherein distal stop surface 22 is spaced apart (e.g., proximally) from proximal stop surface 1 16; and a distal or extended position (e.g., FIG. 3B), wherein the distal stop surface 22 is at or adjacent proximal stop surface 16 to limit an axial movement of distal stop surface 22. Fiber 10 also may be rotated inside of channel 1 12.
[0035] Fiber tip 60 may be retracted into distal portion 1 12D of working channel 1 12 when optical fiber 10 is in the proximal position, and extended out of distal portion 1 12D when fiber 10 is in the distal position, thereby avoiding damage from over-extension. Proximal portion 1 12P of working channel 1 12 may define an interior cavity 1 18 with a volume the extends annularly around axis F-F, expands when optical fiber 10 is in the proximal positon, and contracts when fiber 10 is the distal position. Additional elements of system 100 may be located within interior cavity 1 18 to further guide movements of optical fiber 10.
[0036] While principles of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrative aspects for particular applications, the disclosure is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, aspects, and substitution of equivalents all fall in the scope of the aspects described herein. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1 . An optical fiber comprising:
a fiber core that extends along a fiber axis, is configured to transmit a laser energy along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end with an angled distal face; a jacket that surrounds a proximal portion of the fiber core along the fiber axis, and terminates at a distal end located proximal of the angled distal face;
a fiber tip including a proximal end with an angled proximal face; and a reflector including a proximal face attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core, a distal face attached to an angled proximal face of the fiber tip, and at least one layer configured to direct the laser energy out of the fiber core along a laser axis generally transverse with the fiber axis,
wherein an outer diameter of the jacket is greater than an outer diameter of the fiber core, and an outer diameter of the fiber tip is equal to or less than the outer diameter of the fiber core.
2. The optical fiber of claim 1 , wherein the proximal face of the reflector is attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core without creating an air gap therebetween.
3. The optical fiber of claim 1 or 2, wherein the distal face of the reflector is attached to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip without creating an air gap therebetween.
4. The optical fiber of any preceding claim, wherein the entire proximal face of the reflector is attached to the angled distal face of the fiber core, and the entire distal face of the reflector is attached to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip.
5. The optical fiber of any preceding claim, wherein:
the angled distal face of the fiber core is bonded to the proximal face of the reflector by a first adhesive;
the laser energy has a first absorption rate with a stone or tissue and a second absorption rate with the first adhesive; and
the first absorption rate is higher than the second absorption rate.
6. The optical fiber of claim 5, wherein:
the angled distal face of the reflector is bonded to the angled proximal face of the fiber tip by a second adhesive;
the laser energy has a third absorption rate with the second adhesive; and the first absorption rate is higher than the third absorption rate.
7. The optical fiber of claim 6, wherein the first adhesive is different from the second adhesive, the third absorption rate is higher than the second absorption rate.
8. The optical fiber of claim 7, wherein the laser energy has a fourth absorption rate with the fiber tip, and the fourth absorption rate is higher than the third absorption rate.
9. The optical fiber of any preceding claim, wherein the reflector is configured to direct at least 90% of the laser energy out of the fiber core along the laser axis.
10. The optical fiber of any preceding claim, wherein the least one reflecting layer includes a dielectric material or a metallic material.
1 1 . The optical fiber of any preceding claim, wherein the metallic material includes at least one of aluminum, gold, or silver.
12. The optical fiber of any preceding claim, wherein a distal end of the fiber tip includes an atraumatic shape.
13. The optical fiber of any preceding claim, further comprising a buffer extending along the fiber axis between the fiber core and the jacket.
14. The optical fiber of claim 13, wherein the buffer is a coating applied to at least a proximal portion of the fiber core.
15. A system comprising:
the optical fiber of any preceding claim, wherein the distal end of the jacket defines a distal stop surface; and
a scope including a working channel configured to movably receive the jacket, and a proximal stop surface engageable with the distal stop surface of the jacket to limit a movement of the optical fiber in the working channel.
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